Jerry Renault- The main character of the story. The entire problem of the story is Jerry refusing to sell chocolates in the fundraiser. This begins Jerry's downward fall as he begins to be tormented by the school gang called "The Vigils" led by Archie Costello.
Archie Costello- The leader of The Vigils. Archie gets involved with the chocolate sales when he is asked by the teacher running it who has gotten in some money problems with the fundraiser. Archie is a master at psychological warfare and uses to remain in power.
Brother Leon- He is the head of the chocolate fundraiser and is in over his head when he spends more money then he is suppose to on the fundraiser. He asks Archie and The Vigils for help selling them.
The Vigils- A group of kids that almost single handedly run Trinity High School. They are able to get away with almost anything because of their power and even teachers try to avoid confrontation with some of the members.
Roland Goubert- Jerry's only friend throughout the book. His nickname throughout the book is "The Goober."
Summary
Jerry Renault was only a freshman at Trinity High School. At football tryouts his life flips upside down when he is chosen to be "used" by The Vigils. Jerry is up against the school gang and their leader in The Chocolate War. Archie Costello was searching for new victims that he could use for assignments that The Vigils need performed and that's when he saw Jerry. He liked Jerry persistents in football and thought that he would be tough. This is when the problem begins Brother Leon approaches Archie in severe money trouble with the chocolate fundraiser. Archie says that he and The Vigils would help. The Vigils are all expected to help with the fundraiser but Jerry refuses to take part in it. This is when Jerrys life spirals downward. He is continually tormented physically and mentally. The Vigils efforts on Jerry are no use he continues to refuse selling the chocolate.
This is when Archie decides that he could get even with him. Archie calls a mandatory student only assembly where he plans to have Jerry fight a member of the Vigils. (Emile Janza) The assembly was disguised as trying to sell all of the remaining chocolate. When the assembly begins it evolves around and eventually Jerry gets roped into the fight. He gets fiercely beaten by Emile until finally a teacher comes in and breaks it up. As Jerry is being taken away to the hospital he whispers a very important quote to his only friend "goober" "Don't disturb the universe."
Why is This Book Outstanding?
This book is considered a classic piece of literature and is historic in the context in which it is written. Being written in 1976 this book broke several barriers about what certain authors can write about these days. This book was not entirely a fictional book Robert Cormier wrote based on a personal experience. His son also refused to participate in the chocolate fundraiser and it sparked the idea for Cormier. This book is one of those books that make you want to keep reading and keep reading. I think this book is awesome and I highly recommend reading it.
Why Read this Book?
This book I think would appeal most to Junior High or High School students because they would probably be able to relate the most to this story. This book really keeps your attention and it makes you want to read it.
Important Quotes or foreshadowing points in the book
"don't disturb the universe"- this quote is found on the poster in Jerry's locker and helps him to make the decision to go against The Vigils.
At the very beginning of the book it shows Jerry continually get hit at football practice. This showed that Jerry was very persistent and doesn't give up at what he is doing.
Reviews of the Book
"The Chocolate War is masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful; complex ideas develop and unfold with clarity."-The New York Times Book Review
"The characterizations of all the boys are superb... This novel [is] unique in its uncompromising portrait of human cruelty and conformity."-School Library Journal, starred review
"The novel is cleverly written with a good sense of the realistic and a good ear for dialouge, qualities which will attract any reader."-Bestsellers
"Robert Cormier has written a brilliant novel."-Children's Book Revie Service
Robert Cormier author of The Chocolate war About Robert Cormier
Robert Cormier is a an amazing author. He is the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards award for his devotion to writing for teens. In addition to The Chocolate War, Cormier has written I Am the Cheese, and After First Death. He was born in Massachusetts in 1925. He began his writing career for the paper. He broke through in his book writing career with the publishing of The Chocolate War. Robert Cormier passed away on November 2nd, 2000.
Important Characters
Jerry Renault- The main character of the story. The entire problem of the story is Jerry refusing to sell chocolates in the fundraiser. This begins Jerry's downward fall as he begins to be tormented by the school gang called "The Vigils" led by Archie Costello.
Archie Costello- The leader of The Vigils. Archie gets involved with the chocolate sales when he is asked by the teacher running it who has gotten in some money problems with the fundraiser. Archie is a master at psychological warfare and uses to remain in power.
Brother Leon- He is the head of the chocolate fundraiser and is in over his head when he spends more money then he is suppose to on the fundraiser. He asks Archie and The Vigils for help selling them.
The Vigils- A group of kids that almost single handedly run Trinity High School. They are able to get away with almost anything because of their power and even teachers try to avoid confrontation with some of the members.
Roland Goubert- Jerry's only friend throughout the book. His nickname throughout the book is "The Goober."
Summary
Jerry Renault was only a freshman at Trinity High School. At football tryouts his life flips upside down when he is chosen to be "used" by The Vigils. Jerry is up against the school gang and their leader in The Chocolate War. Archie Costello was searching for new victims that he could use for assignments that The Vigils need performed and that's when he saw Jerry. He liked Jerry persistents in football and thought that he would be tough. This is when the problem begins Brother Leon approaches Archie in severe money trouble with the chocolate fundraiser. Archie says that he and The Vigils would help. The Vigils are all expected to help with the fundraiser but Jerry refuses to take part in it. This is when Jerrys life spirals downward. He is continually tormented physically and mentally. The Vigils efforts on Jerry are no use he continues to refuse selling the chocolate.
This is when Archie decides that he could get even with him. Archie calls a mandatory student only assembly where he plans to have Jerry fight a member of the Vigils. (Emile Janza) The assembly was disguised as trying to sell all of the remaining chocolate. When the assembly begins it evolves around and eventually Jerry gets roped into the fight. He gets fiercely beaten by Emile until finally a teacher comes in and breaks it up. As Jerry is being taken away to the hospital he whispers a very important quote to his only friend "goober" "Don't disturb the universe."
Why is This Book Outstanding?
This book is considered a classic piece of literature and is historic in the context in which it is written. Being written in 1976 this book broke several barriers about what certain authors can write about these days. This book was not entirely a fictional book Robert Cormier wrote based on a personal experience. His son also refused to participate in the chocolate fundraiser and it sparked the idea for Cormier. This book is one of those books that make you want to keep reading and keep reading. I think this book is awesome and I highly recommend reading it.
Why Read this Book?
This book I think would appeal most to Junior High or High School students because they would probably be able to relate the most to this story. This book really keeps your attention and it makes you want to read it.
Important Quotes or foreshadowing points in the book
"don't disturb the universe"- this quote is found on the poster in Jerry's locker and helps him to make the decision to go against The Vigils.
At the very beginning of the book it shows Jerry continually get hit at football practice. This showed that Jerry was very persistent and doesn't give up at what he is doing.
Reviews of the Book
"The Chocolate War is masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful; complex ideas develop and unfold with clarity."-The New York Times Book Review
"The characterizations of all the boys are superb... This novel [is] unique in its uncompromising portrait of human cruelty and conformity."-School Library Journal, starred review
"The novel is cleverly written with a good sense of the realistic and a good ear for dialouge, qualities which will attract any reader."-Bestsellers
"Robert Cormier has written a brilliant novel."-Children's Book Revie Service
Robert Cormier author of The Chocolate war
About Robert Cormier
Robert Cormier is a an amazing author. He is the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards award for his devotion to writing for teens. In addition to The Chocolate War, Cormier has written I Am the Cheese, and After First Death. He was born in Massachusetts in 1925. He began his writing career for the paper. He broke through in his book writing career with the publishing of The Chocolate War. Robert Cormier passed away on November 2nd, 2000.
Work Cited
Cormier, Robert. The Chocolate War. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 1974
http://www.teenreads.com/authors/au-cormier-robert.asp Author profile: Teenreads March 27th, 2008
http://www.enotes.com/chocolate-war Chocolate War/introduction: Enotes March 27th, 2008
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/chocolatewar/characters.html The Chocolate War study guide: Sparknotes March 27th, 2008